EMU Student Senate discusses Weather, appoints new Senator

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The Student Senate appointed a new senator and discussed the upcoming weather during its bi-weekly meeting at the Student Center on Tuesday, Jan. 29.

Senator Salice

Marisa Salice, a major in journalism and political science, is focused to improve sustainability issues on Eastern Michigan University’s campus. Salice was appointed to the senate with unanimous consent.

“There are a lot of issues going on in our environment,” Salice said. “Starting here at Eastern, where we don’t have a lot of budget for recycling and compost, affording sustainability and all of its aspects is pretty important.”

Salice looks to revamp the Sustainability Commission and find new ways for Eastern to step up when it comes to sustainability.

“I think if Eastern wants to start setting an example of being green and environmentally friendly, we need to start working on that,” Salice said.

She is excited to get started.

“It feels pretty great,” Salice said. “A lot of my friends are on the senate. . .They all encouraged me to run, so it was super helpful to have their support.”

Extreme weather

Student Body President Candice Crutcher passed an executive order before the meeting Tuesday that urged the university to close if temperatures drop below zero degrees.

The university cancelled classes for Wednesday following the release of that statement. The Crossroads Marketplace, Commons and Eateries will be open for students living on campus.

“We shouldn’t be making our students suffer to get to class,” Crutcher said.

She also urged students to stay indoors unless it was absolutely necessary to go outside and to dress accordingly.

Chief of Staff Leigh Greden echoed that the university’s mission is to always stay open because people are paying to be here. It was also noted that specific criteria, such as the wind chill factor, are taken into account in deciding a school closure.

Other business

Crutcher discussed Student Government funding a New York Times subscription for faculty and students, costing approximately $2,000. Senators were asked to talk to constituents about whether they would use it, as the price would be covered by the Student Government.

Luke Thompson, the election commissioner, announced that voting for student government officials will take place March 27-28, with results being posted March 28 at 6 p.m. Thompson also discussed the rules for new and current candidates looking to run.

Crutcher and Student Body Vice President Ethan Smith met with the Interfraternity Council to talk about a resolution that was passed regarding sexual assault. They will be attending a future Senate meeting to discuss their plan in combating this issue.

A resolution that raised the pay for the judicial sergeant and speaker of the senate was passed unanimously. It increased their wage to $10 per hour of work, the same amount for other executive board positions.

Crutcher and Smith met with LAZ Parking, thanking them for waiving tickets assigned over winter break and discussing a plan to update signage. They also met with the faculty senate to discuss future renovations in housing.